A&I - Senior Data Architect

Kindred Group plc; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online gambling group is seeking a Senior Data Architect based in London. The role involves designing cloud-based data solutions, modernising data pipelines, and driving AI initiatives. Ideal candidates will have deep expertise in data architecture, knowledge of AWS and DevOps tools, and a strong background in compliance and governance. This position is pivotal in shaping innovative data architectures for a data-driven platform.

Qualifications

• Proven experience architecting data solutions at enterprise scale.
• Successful track record of optimising cost and performance.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cloud-based solutions for data architecture.
• Modernise data pipelines and workflows using scalable frameworks.
• Drive AI initiatives and ensure compliance with business standards.

Skills

Data Architecture Expertise

Technical Mastery

AI/ML Knowledge

Governance Standards

Excellent Communication

Education

TOGAF Certification

Tools

Java/Spring

Python

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Spark

Iceberg

Parquet

Job description

About the Role

As a Senior Data Architect, you will be at the forefront of modernising our A&I (Automation & Insights) data platform architecture and driving operational excellence through automation. You will design cloud-based solutions with both functional (e.g., real-time personalisation) and non-functional (e.g., performance, security, cost control) requirements in mind, ensuring FDJ United remains a leader in the data-driven online gambling industry. Your work will involve shaping lakehouse and data-lake paradigms, leveraging Parquet and Iceberg for high-performance data storage, and adopting scalable Spark frameworks for large-scale processing. Ultimately, you will enable self-service analytics, personalised user experiences, and an AI-first approach to data-driven decision-making.

What You'll Be Doing

1. Architecting Advanced Data Solutions
   • Shape End-to-End Data Architectures: Define conceptual and logical models for data lakes, warehouses, and hybrid deployments (AWS, Azure/Fabric), aligning with key performance and cost objectives.
   • Embed Automation & Monitoring: Reduce complexity and maximise uptime through DevOps practices, ensuring compliance with FDJ United's security and regulatory standards.
2. Modernising Data Pipelines & Workflows
   • Implement Scalable Frameworks: Orchestrate large-scale pipelines using Spark, Docker, Kubernetes, and other DevOps tools.
   • Accelerate Delivery: Apply standardised processes and automated testing to streamline development and reduce time-to-market while managing terabytes of data daily.
3. Driving AI & ML Initiatives
   • Champion LLMOps & MLOps Strategy: Set the architectural framework for building, training, and deploying AI/ML models with automation and regulatory compliance in mind.
   • Enhance Operational Efficiency: Oversee end-to-end workflows (model improvement, versioning, monitoring) to support real-time personalisation and advanced analytics, focusing on architectural integrity rather than hands-on coding.
4. Ensuring Governance & Quality
   • Establish Strong Data Governance: Partner with the Data Governance Manager to define schema management, metadata frameworks (e.g., OpenMetadata), and data quality controls, promoting data democratisation and self-service.
   • Adhere to Security & Compliance: Integrate information security standards and FDJ United's compliance framework into every data process, safeguarding internal and customer data across all stages.
5. Collaborative Design & Leadership
   • Lead Technical Workshops: Host whiteboard sessions and design reviews, driving shared expertise and open dialogue.
   • Influence Stakeholders: Translate complex architectural concepts into actionable strategies, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards and TOGAF principles.
6. Continuous Innovation & Exploration
   • Stay Ahead of Trends: Track emerging data technologies in cloud, DevOps, and AI to maintain a cutting-edge platform.
   • Evaluate & Implement New Solutions: Prototype and integrate innovations—such as vector databases or advanced real-time analytics—that bring tangible business impact.

What We're Looking For

• Deep Data Architecture Expertise
• Proven experience architecting data solutions at enterprise scale (lakehouse concepts, big data platforms, real-time pipelines).
• TOGAF Certified would be an added advantage
• Successful track record of optimising cost, performance, and business outcomes under strict compliance requirements.

• Technical Mastery & Hands-On Skills
• Advanced knowledge of Java/Spring, Python, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS and DevOps methodologies.
• Familiarity with Spark, Iceberg, Parquet, and other solutions for large-scale data processing.

• AI/ML & Analytics Background
• Competent in ML & analytics, with exposure to LLMOps and MLOps practices (pipeline automation, model governance).
• Comfortable leading the architecture of AI solutions rather than day-to-day model development.

• Governance, Security & Compliance Mindset
• Skilled in defining and enforcing data governance standards while upholding regulatory and information security best practices.
• Ability to navigate a tough regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance without compromising innovation.

• Excellent Communication & Collaboration
• Adept at workshop facilitation and bridging technical and non-technical perspectives.
• Self-driven, with a passion for continuous improvement, developer productivity, and accelerating time-to-market.

If you're excited about applying innovative data architectures, automation, and AI-driven solutions to power one of the world's largest online gambling groups, we would love to hear from you. Join FDJ United's A&I Department and help us shape the future of responsible, data-driven entertainment on a global scale.

Ensure that you adhere to the Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) obligations for your role.

• Identify and raise any non-compliance incidents promptly to your line manager.
• Challenge processes, policies and projects that will negatively impact compliance within the Group.
• Complete all mandatory compliance training assigned to you.
• Reach out to the Compliance Teams if unsure of any of your compliance obligations or the requirements are unclear.